Cycling holidays in Scotland
| country: | Scotland |
| location: | Scottish Highlands |
| trip type: | Self guided, moderate cycling holidays |
| departures: | Self guided departures April to October, please choose your preferred departure date within these months and contact us to check availability |
| price: | From £390 (5 days) excluding flights. Price includes B&B accommodation (twin share basis), route maps and instructions, luggage transfers between accommodation, and transfer back to Balloch. Bike hire £100 |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Cycling holidays in Scotland
Whether you want to cycle through stunning countryside, experience the exhilaration of coasts and cliffs, or visit quiet backwaters and historic towns, our cycling holidays in Scotland can't be beaten! Our self-guided cycling holidays in Scotland allow us to offer pretty much any date you wish. Based on a minimum of 2 people these holidays allow you to cycle at your own pace. We book all your accommodation, transfer your luggage and provide you with routes and a detailed itinerary.
Lochs and Glens (Moderate cycling holidays)
'Lochs and Glens' is a fabulous five day trip across the Scottish Highlands from the River Clyde to the River Tay through the heart of magnificent mountain ranges and valleys. The route is part of the National Cycle Network and follows traffic-free paths and quiet roads, with some sections on "cinder" trails and well surfaced "off-road" trails.
From Loch Lomond, this 130 mile ‘ish’ route winds its way through the beautiful hills of the Trossachs, along the shores of tranquil lochs, across open moorland, and continues north alongside the awe-inspiring Grampian Mountains,before turning South to the pristine city of Perth and the banks of The Tay. Along the route are historic sites of battles and ancient castles. There are also many opportunities to see wildlife including deer, eagles and osprey; and to visit a whisky distillery.
Whether you want to cycle through stunning countryside, experience the exhilaration of coasts and cliffs, or visit quiet backwaters and historic towns, our cycling holidays in Scotland can't be beaten! Our self-guided cycling holidays in Scotland allow us to offer pretty much any date you wish. Based on a minimum of 2 people these holidays allow you to cycle at your own pace. We book all your accommodation, transfer your luggage and provide you with routes and a detailed itinerary.
Lochs and Glens (Moderate cycling holidays)
'Lochs and Glens' is a fabulous five day trip across the Scottish Highlands from the River Clyde to the River Tay through the heart of magnificent mountain ranges and valleys. The route is part of the National Cycle Network and follows traffic-free paths and quiet roads, with some sections on "cinder" trails and well surfaced "off-road" trails.
From Loch Lomond, this 130 mile ‘ish’ route winds its way through the beautiful hills of the Trossachs, along the shores of tranquil lochs, across open moorland, and continues north alongside the awe-inspiring Grampian Mountains,before turning South to the pristine city of Perth and the banks of The Tay. Along the route are historic sites of battles and ancient castles. There are also many opportunities to see wildlife including deer, eagles and osprey; and to visit a whisky distillery.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrival. Rhu is your arrival point, near the town of Helensburgh, staying in a picturesque hotel on over looking the shores of the Clyde. Occassionally, due to sporting events (namely the Open and Scottish Open), we use our alternative start point on the shores of Loch Lomond in Balloch. You will be met by our representative either in the evening or first thing the following morning. For those arriving by train (40 minutes from Glasgow) your accommodation is either a short transfer or walk from the station. Parking is available at the accommodation for the duration of the trip (subject to availability and at your own risk). The evening can be spent strolling along the shoreline and sampling local dishes served in your hotel. |
| Day 2: | Total distance from Rhu approx 40 miles; from Balloch approx 34 miles. Following a hearty Scottish breakfast you will head off towards Balloch Castle on the shores of Loch Lomond. From Balloch Castle you follow a route via lochs & glens (no surprises there!) to Callander, your second night's stop. The route takes you out into the solitude of the countryside from Loch Lomond to Loch Venacher via quiet country roads. After Aberfoyle we enter Achray Forest from where you will weave your way to Callander along the southern shore of Loch Venacher. Some climbing, with the inevitable descents, but plenty of time to enjoy the views, tranquility and great cycling. Accommodation in Callander. |
| Day 3: | Total distance 30 miles. The countryside is different to yesterday’s riding. A gentler landscape of farmland and woodland. A real combination of surfaces today, quiet lanes, paths and a disused railway line through the beautiful Glen Ogle. You are now close to the birthplace of folk hero and latter day Robin Hood, Rob Roy Macgregor, whose grave may be found in Balquhidder. The final stretch to Killin or surrounding area is your stop for the night. |
| Day 4: | Total distance 37 miles. The start of the day follows the 15 mile long Loch Tay to Aberfeldy the home to Dewars World of Whisky Distillery. A relatively easy and short day of cycling, but plenty to see en route nevertheless! All road today, as you pass through Aberfeldy and Strathay, before arriving at Pitlochry – watch out for those salmon leaping! An optional detour can be made from here to the Edradour Distillery (2.5 miles from Pitlochry) - you’ll need no persuasion to visit Scotland’s smallest distillery, established way back in 1825. The wide glens of the river Tay and river Tummel guide you to Pitlochry and your accommodation for the night. |
| Day 5: | Total distance 31 miles. Retracing your bicycle tracks to the Logierait Viaduct you now follow the river Tay on the National Cycle Network route 77 called The Salmon Run. This fishy route eventually brings you to Perth, the town that inspired Sir Walter Scott to pen ‘The Fair Maid of Perth’, which in turn inspired Bizet’s opera. On the way to this fair city, tucked away at the foot of thickly wooded hills, you will discover one of Perthshire's gems - the cathedral town of Dunkeld. Resting on the opposite bank of the River Tay is the Victorian village of Birnam. Together, the beautifully restored buildings and rich heritage are an inspiration for lovers of history, the arts and the great green outdoors. At the end of the day you will be met by your guide and either whisked back to your car or given you bags to catch a train in Perth. |
this tourism business was Highly Commended
In our 2005 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards, the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine. The idea behind the Awards is that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people. how this holiday makes a difference
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Global adventures start with a local perspective – that's the our philosophy. Whether abroad, or just as importantly at home, the start point is the same; how to get the most enjoyable holiday for our customers while benefiting the local people, economy and respecting the environment.
Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside, travelling at a speed that enables you to take in the surroundings without damaging the environment. On these cycling holidays in Scotland we use local guides, small independent B&B's, guest houses and hotels to ensure that the money stays in the local economy. Where we provide food we aim to use locally produced product. For these cycling holidays in Scotland we provide travellers with Travellers Codes that encourage the reduction of water usage, systems for collecting, recycling or safe disposal of litter and relevant suggestions to minimise damage to the environment, wildlife and marine ecosystems. All our cycling holidays in Scotland have a maximum group size of 12 to 15 people minimising both the social and environmental impact. We work with and support Sustrans and the development of the excellent National Cycle Network and use these routes for our UK Cycling Breaks. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |